Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 1/20/2017, 4:02 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The Mishna in Avos (5;3) says that "Hashem tested Avraham Avinu with ten tests and he stood (passed) all of them, to teach us how dear Avraham Avinu was (in the Eyes of G-d)."
There are a number of opinions on what exactly were the ten tests that Avraham endured, but everyone agrees that these were very difficult tests and suffering that he endured with his steadfast faith in G-d. The Mishna says though that these tests showed Hashem's love for Avraham. How is it that Hashem brings suffering onto people that He Loves?
In Avraham's case these tests and difficulties were not the result of any sin on his part but Hashem brought these upon Avraham because He wanted to show the world the extent of Avraham's devotion and faith. The Hebrew word for test "Nisayon" is rooted in the word "Nes" which means "banner". These tests served to "raise the banner" of Avraham's devotion for the entire world to see and follow. Hashem wanted him to be the model and example for the world because He had so much love for Avraham.
Suffering can be the result of sin (or many other reasons as well), in these cases too, the suffering stems from Hashem's Love for the person as well. A beautiful explanation of this I heard from R'Akiva Tatz. When Hashem brings suffering on a person it is one way that Hashem communicates with the person. A person should realize this is Hashem's way of "talking" to him. Some people though are so far from G-d that He doesn't bring suffering upon them because they are too far and He "doesn't even bother to speak to them". Even if we must endure some suffering a person should realize that it is a result of their (close) relationship with Hashem. It means they are not lost and Hashem has not given up on them.